Mata Lal Devi Temple
Mata Lal Devi Ji Temple
The Life and Incarnation of Pujya Mata Ji
Incarnation and Early Signs of Divinity
Kasur, Pakistan, a city founded by Kusha, son of Bhagwati Sita, was once known for its Siddha-saints and spiritual luminaries, including Bawa Lal Ji of Dhyanpur and Baba Bulleh Shah Ji. On February 21, 1923, as nature blossomed in celebration, an extraordinary being took birth—Pujya Mata Ji. She was born to Lala Harjasmal Marwaha and his wife, Mrs. Maya Devi, who named her Lal Devi.
Even before her birth, Mrs. Maya Devi had divine visions of gods and goddesses, signifying that Durga Ji herself was incarnating. From infancy, Lal Devi displayed signs of divinity—she refused her mother’s milk and was instead nourished with the milk of a sacred Kapila cow. Her presence brought blessings, and those who chanted Durga’s name near her felt an overwhelming divine energy.
Childhood and Divine Manifestations
As a child, Lal Devi frequently visited Bhagwati Chintpurni Dham with her family. During one visit, she entered a divine trance in the temple, prompting priests to declare that Bhagwati Chintpurni had manifested in her. Over time, miraculous events surrounded her—she would glow with divine light, appear in people’s dreams, and heal the sick. She granted children to the childless, prosperity to the poor, and guidance to the lost, regardless of their faith.
Spiritual Awakening and Ganga Darshan
From the age of seven or eight, Pujya Mata Ji devoted herself to deep meditation, often locking herself in a room for days. Family members observed an ethereal glow and heard mystical sounds, yet she remained absorbed in devotion. During a particularly hot summer, she meditated tirelessly on the terrace.
On one occasion, her family traveled to Haridwar, leaving her behind. Upon their return, she recounted in detail their entire journey, claiming that Ganga Ji had appeared to her at home and gifted her a vessel of sacred water. This event deepened the reverence of her family and devotees alike.
Divine Charge and Miracles
Pujya Mata Ji’s spiritual powers continued to grow. On the Ashtami night of Shukla Paksha, she entered a divine trance (Samadhi) lasting 16 hours, during which her body radiated intense light. Devotees in attendance experienced divine ecstasy, and upon awakening, she addressed them by name, offering solutions to their deepest problems. Many dedicated their lives to her service.
Following the partition of India, she moved to Jalandhar and later Amritsar, residing briefly at the homes of devoted followers. It was during this period that her disciple, Surya Prakash Ji, joined her, paving the way for the construction of Lal Bhavan and other temples.
Establishment of Lal Bhavan and Pilgrimage Expeditions
By 1954, Pujya Mata Ji settled in Rani Ka Bagh, Amritsar, where her miracles and spiritual influence grew exponentially. She organized grand religious festivals and attracted revered spiritual figures such as Jagat Guru Shankaracharya, Shri Bhakti Vedantacharya Ji (founder of ISKCON), and Swami Arvind Nand Ji.
She embarked on pilgrimages to sacred sites across India, including Vrindavan, Haridwar, Amarnath, Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamunotri, Dwarkadish, Somnath, Kashi, Ayodhya, Jagannath Puri, Tirupati Balaji, Kanyakumari, and Meenakshi Devi. Her divine presence blessed these holy places.
Influence on Leaders and Temple Construction
Pujya Mata Ji’s spiritual stature drew political leaders such as Smt. Indira Gandhi, Giani Zail Singh, S. Buta Singh, and Comrade Ram Krishan. In the 1990s, as her following grew, she oversaw the construction of a larger temple complex, ensuring the inclusion of divine representations of all major deities of India.
She also received a vision from Vaishno Devi Ji, instructing her to build a sacred cave. With guidance from Saint Suraj Prakash, the present-day cave was constructed in Amritsar, replicating the sanctity of Vaishno Devi’s shrine. The artisan sculpting Bhagwati Kali’s idol had a divine vision during his work, reinforcing the temple’s spiritual significance.
The Haridwar Ashram and Ramtirtha Restoration
Under Pujya Mata Ji’s leadership, an ashram named Bharat Darshan Dham was established in Haridwar, featuring a Vaishno Devi cave. A 15-room inn was constructed at Chintpurni Dham, and grand ashrams were built in Delhi and Vrindavan.
She also played a crucial role in restoring Ramtirtha, the legendary birthplace of Luv and Kush, where Bhagwati Sita once lived in exile. Guided by divine inspiration, she commanded her followers to serve Ramtirtha, leading to the construction of two temples, including a grand Hanuman statue.
Sri Lal Devi Temple (Lal Bhavan)
The Sri Lal Devi Temple, also known as Lal Bhavan, is one of the most revered temples in Amritsar. Built under the guidance of Pujya Mata Ji, the temple is dedicated to Bhagwati Durga and is believed to fulfill the wishes of devotees. Inspired by the sacred Vaishno Devi cave, the temple features a similar cave-like structure, drawing thousands of pilgrims every year.
The temple houses idols of multiple deities, creating a divine atmosphere where devotees from all walks of life come to seek blessings. The temple complex also includes a charitable wing, serving the needy with free meals, medical aid, and educational support. Lal Bhavan is not just a place of worship but a center of spiritual awakening, where Mata Ji’s teachings continue to inspire generations.
Legacy of Love and Service
Pujya Mata Ji dedicated her life to serving the destitute and grieving, alleviating their suffering through divine blessings. She even took on the incurable diseases of devotees upon herself. Above all, she led them on the path of righteousness and asceticism, embodying compassion, humility, and spiritual wisdom.
A soul as pure and enlightened as hers appears only once in ages. To this day, her devotees continue to worship her, remembering her divine grace, selfless service, and boundless love.